Mason Mount will make a swift return to the Chelsea line-up after being dropped for Thomas Tuchel’s first game as boss, according to former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch.
Mount was left out by the German head coach for the 0-0 draw with Wolves at Stamford Bridge, but came on with eight minutes remaining and came close to creating a winner on a couple of occasions in a lively cameo.
The England midfielder had been a mainstay of previous manager Frank Lampard’s side, but found himself sat on the bench alongside Reece James, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner as Tuchel opted to go with experience.
Crouch said former PSG boss Tuchel will soon realise Mount has a vital role to play after seeing the Blues totally dominate possession without creating many chances.
“Wolves came for the draw; they were so defensive. But Chelsea weren’t quick enough in moving through the lines,” Crouch told BT Sport. “It wasn’t good enough.
“Tuchel will quickly realise that Mason Mount as been one of their most creative players and I am sure he will get back into the team.”
Fellow former England international Rio Ferdinand agreed.
“Tuchel is going to have to get out on the training pitch and get his tactical board out and make sure these guys understand it is not all about possession,” the ex-Manchester United star said.
“You have to want to hurt teams. I said that at half-time and it wasn’t until Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount came on the pitch that they looked a little bit threatening. But you can’t judge him on this game.
“It was the best I have seen Callum Hudson-Odoi. He was their most creative player and their outlet. What he would have learned is that he went for experience today like he said before the game, but I think Mount and Pulisic are the people that will give them that thrust at the top of the pitch.”